As June begins – one of my favorite months of the year – I wound down May with some reflections and a butterfly fluttering at my window to the garden of life.

Hehe! Yep, that’s me, but there was an actual butterfly at my door.

We’ve settled into our new phase, since returning home, and will continue to stretch into this open space of creative potential we have before us to ignite new pathways in our individual and combined experiences together. Things will continue to evolve for us and how we’d like each day to look, but we’re both embracing the integration of new versions of ourselves that grief is the powerful and transitory bridge for from a previous era.

Since returning home we’ve prepped for the soon-to-shift seasons, which included a Memorial Day veggie BBQ and my cheezy, quinoa, kale, and onion burgers on a perfect Spring-to-Summer transition day and jumped back into the flow of projects, daily life focuses, self nurturing, and nourishing outdoor activities.

June is looking like a fun and full month with anniversary celebrations, two weddings to attend, a couple of trips planned, some great outdoors adventures up ahead (will share more soon), Father’s Day, Astrid and Joy portal days, and Summer Solstice – weeeee!

June will also be the window for one last, big crystal skull release for the New Moon of 6/6 (if you’ve been holding out for a special friend this may be your group), a dear-to-my-heart story I saved to share, and a community episode of Talks With Crystal Skulls. So keep an eye out!

I’m also currently doing some introspective feeling out of things behind-the-scenes that could develop into a couple of exciting opportunities/announcements resurfacing in a fresh way. Stay tuned for that too!

I always know when Summer is approaching as my tree frog friends will appear. Not only have we been hearing the frog melodies in wet meadow areas, both here and on our road trip, but two little ones popped out of our deck furniture when we set them back up after Winter’s storage below.

I also noticed that the area of forest behind our house that was cleared for fire prevention is now filling in beautifully like a meadow with green and blossoms. We’re awaiting how many of these newbies will be from the wildflower seeds we threw, as I do see so many tiny new blossom plants rising. I also found this very unique mushroom for the first time, growing in this area. You can see that Frith baptized it with his approval too.

It appears to be a calvatia sculpta mushroom, also known as the pyramid puffball, sculpted puffball, or Sierran puffball. I love it and it’s soon to be part of a creative project I’m gearing up for.

For now, the quail have been calling and scurrying across the now-meadowed forest and life is buzzing from little creatures to pollinators, and larger wild visitors I see paw and hoof prints from. In fact, just two days ago on our hike we saw two sweet, still-spotted young does crossing our trail. Renewal is in full swing.

Feeling anchored at home, gives me time to reflect on things and as always, writing is a powerful way for me to move energy and integrate it as well. In many ways blog posts are both journal memoirs of gratitude and also highlight the things gleaned and evolution journeyed. Even if one doesn’t read the posts, the photos I hope convey inspiration or supportive frequencies to shift things in the moment of viewing them.

Our road trip week away was a segue between old and new too, and was like a time portal outside of all experiences. It was not about the past and not about the future. It was purely about the present and bubbling us in a breath of fresh air.

Family, friends, and togetherness were a focal point from start to finish and of course Mother’s Day had been the marinade to this dish the Universe would serve us, just days before our taking off.

After saying goodbye to our last fur baby releasing into her expansiveness, we packed up immediately and headed out the door.

Our journey took us away for a week and six nights, which felt like the right amount for now to just shift the energy.

Three stages of connection rounded out our trip. It started with time on our own, moved into time with Dave’s family (coupled with a short window of old friends for Dave), and then ended with special friend time to integrate it all.

We decided to break up our first destination into two days of driving, which gave us the opportunity to check out Lone Pine, CA after driving through beautiful Nevada vistas. We did this to explore the Whitney Portal, which is basically what it states – the portal to Mt. Whitney in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains that we live in.

At 14,505 feet, Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Dave had done the entire climb of 6600 feet in one full day back in his 30’s, but this was the first time for me to be on the mountain and our first time together.

The trailhead started at 8500 and we ascended to 10,100, climbing 1600 in elevation after our four hour drive, lunch, and settling into our hotel. That’s the amount of hiking we had time for (6 miles) before the sun would be gone altogether from both the trail and the valley behind the high mountain range.

Also, you can only go a certain distance without a permit, as summiting requires one. We nearly hit that mark.

It was the perfect introduction and elevation to go, as we were just starting to encounter the still somewhat, snow-covered trail at around 9500 feet.

Much higher would have had a lot more snow coverage, so it’s definitely better to hit this trail when Summer rolls around, or Fall is starting.

We crossed a waterfall stream and a creek along the way, and saw varied terrain, rocks, and vegetation we don’t see in our neck of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The creek was wide with a cool wood pathway to cross it and a wetland kind of area where frogs were singing away at such a high elevation – nearly 10,000 feet!

The hike was another confirmation to what I know about myself – that I thrive at high altitudes. I’m definitely a mountain goat at heart, even though I’ve had to work at my fear of heights on edges.

This thriving ability of mine vibed up around the 9500 elevation mark, as I literally felt this charge to my energy, kicking in a feeling of a reboot when we got to the highest part of our hike. I received this surge and boost that felt enlivening. The same has been true on high altitude travels like in Peru at 12,000 to 14,000 plus elevations – I experience no affect other than feeling great.

I even brought along this magickal one – a fascia jasper star being palm skull who blended in so well with the terrain and close-to-the-stars altitude.

Mt. Whitney is such an incredibly picturesque trail and we both feel that returning another time to do the full hike would be fun, even breaking it up into a backpacking and overnighter trip.

We had a great time on this mountain trail.

And the drive to Whitney Portal and back is equally as stunning.

At the gateway to Mt. Whitney lies what are known as The Alabama Hills.

This is an area of incredible rock formations in high desert flora landscapes that have been the back-drop to many well-known Hollywood films.

The rounded contours of the rocks in The Alabama Hills provide an incredibly gorgeous contrast to the sharp and jagged ridges above of the Sierra Nevada.

And although the composition of the rocks in both areas are identical, their appearances are completely different as a result of the weathering process – both over a 100 million years old.

We didn’t have a lot of time to explore The Alabama Hills, but drove through them twice that first day, stepped out to look around a bit and touch the rocks, and then returned briefly the next morning on the way out to catch them at different times of day – sunset and morning sunshine.

I felt it important we at least get out and feel these ancient stones, which were so amazing in formations.

Can you find me blending into the rocks under the moon in these photos?

You can see so many shapes, animals, beings, and images alive and ready to share their stories.

The energy here felt amazing and I loved merging with the rocks and landscapes.

Our car, Ruby, did too.

We found some rock treasures both in this area and on the mountain during our hike – including some of the only little raw quartz I saw in the area.

Then there was this….my absolute favorite vista spot right in the in between of The Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney.

I found the most giant lupine bush full of bees, fragrance, and lilac beauty.

I was in faery and nature girl bliss.

The whole landscape of this area was fantastic and picturesque – a photographer’s dream, an artist’s inspiration, and a child’s world of imagination.

It all looks almost surreal, right?!

And the rest of our road trip equally fell into these categories, as everywhere we found ourselves was rich in enchantment and the things I particularly LOVE to be surrounded in.

Our alone time then came to an end and moved into the next stage.

We completed the second part of our driving destination that second day to Dave’s dad’s and stepmom’s house in Camarillo, CA. We spent the next two nights there and enjoyed a lovely time with them and Dave’s brother, who visited each evening for a meal. We also got to spend time with Grace, their surviving rescue Coonhound.

I say surviving, because not long before Sweet Pea transitioned, their other rescue dog – a Greyhound named Judy – had just passed as well. Grace has had a hard time with this loss and because she has a very traumatic history, Judy had been of help to her process.

Grace is a sweet soul who only at first connected to Dave’s dad. It took a year or two before she was okay with Dave’s stepmom. And literally, over the five years they’ve had her, there are only three people that she warms up to and will flop over on her belly for – the two of them and Dave’s stepmom’s physical therapist who comes on a regular basis. Everyone else she shies away from and literally will not even be in the room with or barely look at. Such a sweet girl she is, but with a lot of trauma built into her memory that needs patient, tender care.

That is, until this trip when I became the fourth person to be so honored by her trust.

We had a really nice time with Dave’s family, shared some amazing vegan meals, and incredibly beautiful and magickal walks with his dad and Grace.

I also got the chance to spend a full day with just his dad, stepmom and Grace while Dave attended a gathering with old buddies from high school days, which was really a gift. We have never really had that much alone time together, as we’re usually surrounded in family gatherings, shorter visits, or the four of us. So this was very special and allowed us to connect on a deeper level.

This also gave me the chance to really be with Grace. My understanding of rabbits (prey animals), domestic and wild animals in general, of sensitive souls, and my peaceful presence, I believe helped me to understand Grace and her needs. In the end, she came to trust me and on her own came to me to have me pet and massage her, give her energy, and then flopped on her side inviting me to rub her belly. I spent a good couple of hours just being with her and giving her tons of love. It was mutually enriching and the biggest gift to be honored with her trust. For me, souls in animal bodies that give their trust sparingly and ask of me to meet them, are the ones I’m most drawn to and find I receive the most from. For me, that process of patience, mutual honoring, and seeing of each other is priceless.

Dave’s dad was floored and so thrilled when he walked in the room to find my hands on Grace’s belly – the gift of her vulnerability feeling safe. He also said to Dave that he was so happy to really have gotten to know his wife – me – for what felt like the first time.

We shared some special moments and connecting over these two and a half days with Dave’s family. I was so happy we did, as every moment counts and I know that Dave doesn’t get to see his family that often so this was important and good to be surrounded in love during the grieving process he’s been navigating more deeply, as it has been more his first time with things in this way. And I was grateful to be a part of it all on a new heart level.

Dave’s dad took us on two beautiful and picturesque walks – through a gorgeous canyon blooming in wild flowers like he said he’s never seen – and through some amazing botanical gardens.

Everything was so lush and in full, vibrant splendor.

I was in faery delight and camera frenzy, as you can see! I wanted to imprint these scenes not just in memory, but to have as inspiration to look back upon and draw from.

I also enjoyed exploring their backyard on the day Dave was out visiting friends.

It sits on two beautiful acres of amazing vegetation including enormous bushes of aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender (to name a few), as well as gorgeous and fragrant flowers.

It’s such a peaceful, enchanted, and totally private setting that cascades down and meanders dreamily.

There’s even a gorgeous koi pond with koi they’ve raised since little ones. Now huge and glorious in colors, they’re a joy to observe and reflect upon.

Watching koi fish is so peace-inducing and reminds me of the fluidity of spirit and the individual journey of embodied consciousness and resiliency.

There’s a legend about koi fish traveling up the Yellow River in China, fighting against the current to a waterfall where many stop and let go, back into the flow of the river. Some try to journey up the waterfall, but turn back and only one, determined to reach the top, makes it. Her reward is being turned into a golden dragon by the gods – the symbol of power and strength, for her perseverance and courage. This story and my connection to fish as a Pisces led me years ago to wear two koi fish swimming in opposite directions on my wrist as a sacred tattoo design. They also symbolize my personal journey and flow of creative life force from the divine through my embodiment. 

There was just SO much beauty and potency of reflection everywhere. Our being there couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.

I also went on a walk with Grace and Dave’s dad, while Dave was away, to a park and garden area where there was a pond filled with turtle friends!

This made me think of and miss my sweet Russian tortoise, Gaia.

These walks gifted me treasures of great horned owl and hawk feather, as well as rabbit fur and a patch of another wild creature’s fur I’m not sure of.

On our last morning before heading off, we went on one last walk through some botanical gardens where I found the hawk feather above, right as we were leaving the gardens – kind of a farewell gift.

I couldn’t get enough of all the beauty and Dave’s dad and I joked about how perfect a partner I was for Grace walks because we both love to stop and smell all the roses every few feet.

This last morning echoed every walk we did together – full of renewal blooming and sprouting everywhere!

Even the snail friends were out in full force to enjoy the morning dew drops.

Peace and tranquility wrapped us up in warm embrace.

While the elder tree branches assisted the streaming through of energetic frequencies.

We were so happy that weather was mild in the 60’s and slightly overcast with a marine layer so that our time outdoors was pleasant.

It’s a more humid climate that leaves you with that constant dewy glow – very different than our dry, sunshine-filled, high altitude home.

Our time with family then shifted into friend mode.

We left Southern California for Arizona, as we made our way to Lake Havasu City. This would be our destination for the next three nights – with our dear friends and godbun, Nova.

We hadn’t seen our friends since July of 2021 and we all agreed that was just TOO long.

As always though, it’s like yesterday when you come back together with soul family.

We had a blast during our short few days together and it was filled with everything we love and could have asked for.

On top of being with our dear besties, we got to spend time with the sweet Nova. Being godparents to this special bunny boy means the world to us and combined with the sweet gift Grace gave me, and then these super snuggle times with the SuperNova himself, was the best medicine ever!

I especially loved getting back into the swing of Midnight kisses – shhhh! that’s a secret between Nova and me!

I know all the bunny love was great healing for Dave too and for me, it was extra extra bunnylicious. I couldn’t get enough of all the loves!

And that was just icing on the cake to sharing some super fun days with KC (aka Bean) and Clint (aka Happy). They were SO accommodating of our last minute trip and made it the best it possibly could be in all ways. We’re so grateful for such great friends who take care of us and are there for us on so many levels. Friends and family you can always count on, love you for who you are, and that you can have fun and silliness with are priceless.

Days were filled with fantastic vegan feasts, lake and river boat fun, lakeside stroll, relaxing pool time, deep and light conversations, card games, movies, checking out KC’s new salon spot, seeing her family, talking plans, and loads and loads of silliness, dancing, singing, screaming, and fun!

I got in SO many belly laughs to literal tears over and over – it was the bestest!

KC’s parents lent us their boat for our first full day together on the Colorado River and Lake Havasu and we just immersed in sunshine, water, and yummies for the tummy and soul.

I even found a huge turkey vulture feather (to add to my other treasures from the previous leg of this trip) on our first beach landing, where some crazy discoveries sent us on our way to look for another LOL!

It was a gorgeous day on the water and once again we hit perfect temps around 90, which is fantastic for the lake and river.

Just look at those gorgeous rocks and water!

Even the ducks were happy and soaking in the relaxing good vibes with us.

And we spent the day at our own little cove, immersed in the abundance of body and soul nourishment.

On our way back we had a marathon of singing by everyone, combined with non-graceful ballet dance performances by KC and me (we both took ballet when we were little girls), an enactment of Titanic’s “I’m flying” scene with Rose and Jack, and even an audition for best horror scream by the two of us who know how to belt one out! LOL!

Luckily for you, the video of our sound barrier-breaking screams wasn’t in a format I could upload here so your ears are safe! LOL! We’ve both never found someone to match our vocal cord heights until now!

Yep, I walk in many worlds, but never lose my wild child heart! Love having friends who mirror that.

The boys got in on the fun too – laughing hard at us, of course, but giving their own song performances of some oldie, but goodies. Here’s just a tiny snippet of what was a long performance of these two cuties.

Dave really knows how to belt one out.

Can you tell what a blast we have when we get together??!!

This is my kind of fun…good ol’ let ‘er go full-on silly! Much appreciated and needed!

It’s all about no holds barred playfulness without judgment and self-consciousness. I’ll never stop being me or believing (Don’t Stop Believin’ get it?!) no matter how many silver hairs I have and how large the number is to my physical age.

When’s the last time you just let loose and had fun? I promise it feels SO good and is the best medicine for anything!

Then it was walk warmups for poolside fun and card games of the lucky and not-so-lucky. Everyone’s a winner when you have great friends though!

Nights were for snuggling up and sinking into a day well spent.

We packed in SO much in a short time, both feeling like rich depth and longing for more all at once. Very present in each moment of it all we were, and it was a great healing balm and medicine for all of our hearts.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to those we love, but we know this time it was just a farewell for now as the days of our lives are now part of a whole different world where we will spontaneously follow what flows through our veins in the moment.

And then our time transformed once again, and we were back to just the two of us – but walking in newly integrated versions of ourselves infused by the layers of heart-opening we experienced and continue to.

With each stage of connection we journeyed through, our fur children were honored in stories and came along with us through eyes infused with new vision because of that love.

We originally thought we’d break up the drive back like our drive on the onset, but decided that we felt ready to return home. So instead of stopping for a night and doing another exploratory hike, we only made a lunch stop in Bishop, CA and then drove the rest of the way home to Nevada. We discovered Mountain Rambler Brewery to be an awesome find for vegan options. They had homemade vegan burgers, a tempeh reuben sandwich, and vegan butternut squash empanadas. Definitely good to know, as this is a gateway for drives to areas we frequent.

Two nourished bodies and warm hearts, three states traveled through, three fur children woven into the stories of each day experienced, and lots of good memories from three stages of connection later, we were back home to our Forest Portal. Our hearts opened wider by it all.

And while you can’t get away from the things you leave behind, you can definitely integrate new layers of growth and heart perspective to face them with when you return.

Our journey away was not one of erasing losses, but one of recognizing the fullness we do have, and the gains we can continually cultivate and nurture by keeping our hearts open.

I think I actually laughed more during our time away, and recently, and that’s saying a lot because I am ALWAYS laughing on a daily basis and crying-to-tears is part of that. But it’s gone to a new level and depth that constantly invokes streaming tears of the source of life itself. It’s unstoppable and it’s all-powerful.

I have always loved the full body release that has no boundaries and just surrenders into complete vulnerable expression without thought to anything but what is moving through and feels SO good.

I’m so grateful for that amidst a contrasting world and during a time, in my own life, of losing fur babies where it might seem odd to be doing this.

Yet, it’s the joy of love and the sweetness of life that is pouring through my widely cracked-open heart. There truly is no end to the mysteries of the heart when we dare to open to it more.

Love is love and it really is a most splendored thing.